Root Canal scared of infection

[jenkelly15]

Hello everyone it's been awhile since I've been on here. Connor has kept me pretty busy the last couple months. First he had a horrible cold, then a rash from his vaccacinations, then another rash a week later, which finally just went away. I was at the doctor more this past month then his whole baby life it feels. Anyway, I am very nervous just when I started not worrying about c-diff so much. I got so terrible news at the dentist that I need a root canal they can't get me in for 2 weeks, and I am petrified it will get infected. Dentist was really no help with this question, so does anyone know what I could do to prevent an infection or should I try to find a dentist who will do it sooner. I am really nervous here also is there ANY ab safe to take for a tooth infection if it godforbid turns into one. I am not taking clindamycin that's for darn sure. Thanks for any help. I hope many people have gotten better since the last time I checked in sorry it's been awhile.

[fire7163]

Jen:

Go to the FAQ section and print off the list of antibiotics. Highlight the ones that have the least risk of causing a relapse, take it to your Dentist and discuss your concerns with him. If he's any good, he will work with your concerns. Always remember that it's your body and you are in control of what happens. The Dentists and Doctors work for you and if need be can and sometimes should be fired.

Fire

[Bobbie]

Jen,
I've had several root canals without antibiotics.

If you do need one, penicillin (can cause C. diff. but not a "big" offender) often works for bacteria in the mouth.

I'd ask your dentist & ask him/her to refer you to an endodentist (specialist in root canals) & then call "the expert," explain your situation, & beg to be seen ASAP.

You probably won't have a problem even if you wait -- but more time to "stress." If you have to wait, ask your dentist about using Peridex (a "script" mouth anti-bacterial rinse that has little absorption) or even Listerine. Double check the Peridex with your pharmacist.

[cindym]

I had a tooth surgically removed during cdiff and on vanco. I was not given an antibiotic and did just fine. Of course the oral surgeon was of the opinion that even though the vanco is for gut only that a part of it is absorbed in the system. We all have read differently but whatever works- I did not get infection. Thank goodness- only luck I ever had since 2001.

[jenkelly15]

Thanks you guys so much for your help. Bobbie that is give advice, but I feel too bad asking him to recommend someone else. Plus, he has already done 2 root canals for me, so I am use to him. I am hoping it will not get infected by then I told him my concern, so I'm sure he would of told me if he thought it would get infected. I did however have an infection in one of my root canals 5 years ago, and it's funny because I had no idea about c-diff back then. However, I got extremely sick from the AB which I think could have been clindamycin, so I only took it for one day because I was puking and had D and the most horrible stomach cramps ever. I wonder if back then if I continue the AB I would have got c-diff. Anyway, thanks for the great advice. I am praying my tooth will be fine for the next 2 weeks or someone will cancel an appoinment to get me in sooner. Thanks again.

[Bobbie]

Jan,
Call dentist's office every day & remind them you are "waiting."

Never feel badly about "hurting" a doc.'s or dentist's feelings. You have to look after you. Trust me -- they will recover from "hurt" feelings.

[carrie]

Hey Jen,
I had a tooth infection requiring a root canal just before I got cdiff. The dentist didn't put me on an antibiotic as she indicated that after they drain the infection it usually clears up. I had two teeth later pulled while I was sick with cdiff. I suppose the flagyl or vanco may have cleared any infection that may have arose but I never had any problems with those either.
Best of luck, I'm sure everything will be fine.

[jenkelly15]

Hey Carrie thanks for your response. I am so nervous I got my root canal on Wednesday. Now, my tooth started to really bother me actually the gum underneath. I am petrified I am getting an abssess. Bobbie you suggested Penicilin would that be the best option if I do end up needing an AB? I am so scared it's just been a year I have been off the vanco I don't want to go through that all over again.

[Bobbie]

jan,
I can't advise you re. what antibiotic would be best. I just suggested that pencillin can sometimes be effective in the mouth & is less broader spectrum than many other antibiotics. I can't promise you (nor can anyone) that it won't cause C. diff.

Check with your pharmacist. Also check with the doc. who treated you when you had C. diff.

Good luck.

[jenkelly15]

Thanks Bobbie sounds good. Yeah I definitely know there are no guarantees with any AB that it will not cause c-diff that is what scares me the most. Thanks for the suggestion though and if it is an infection I will definitely chat with the doctor who treated me for the c-diff. Thank you again.

[carrie]

Don't forget to rinse with salt water a few times a day. I was rincing 4x's daily for the first week or maybe even 10 days. The dentist saisd this should also prevent infections.

[Bobbie]

Jan,
Ask your dentist about Peridex if you have an infection. It's an antibiotic mouthwash (script) that has little absorption. I've had to use it frequently -- so far without a side effect. Don't think it is effective against severe infections, however. Check with your dentist & pharmaist. No guarantees with anything however. That is one of most horrible things about C. diff.

Salt water is also good.

Again, good luck.

[Jan]

Hi Jen, use the Peridex as Bobbie mentioned. My dentist prescribed it for me when I had a root canal after C Diff and I did okay with it. My gum also hurt after my root canal so hang in there!
Jan